My boyfriend was found guilty in court due to his part in the looting that took place during the London riots.

I tried to support him the best I could in the lead up to his trial. However, he kept everyone in the dark about when he was due to be sentenced and went to court by himself. I found out after he was sent to jail that he had been sentenced to a 20-months and his earliest release date (if he is lucky) is September.

He's never been in trouble before. He's 24 and from a traditional Yoruba family; however, he was born in London. I am not Yoruba or African. We have been in a serious relationship for 2 years and I’ve met some of his family members but not his mum. He was about to introduce me to his mum but now I'm wondering whether this will happen when he leaves prison. What will his family be expecting from him?

I have written him everyday trying to keep his spirits up. The thing is he hasn’t contacted anyone. Not me and none of his friends. His family have closed ranks and are telling everyone he’s gone traveling or simply won’t answer the phone to people calling up concerned by his disappearance.

I’ve asked him to write just to let me know he’s ok but I have not received any calls or letters. He’s not on drugs and can look after himself. I just don’t understand why he won’t write back.

Any viewpoints on his behaviour are welcome.

He is depressed and his family is disappointed. Thats why they are both acting 'stay away' attitude.
If you can, keep writing the letters, keep visiting the family members you know keep standing by him. If it will work, it'l work

the guy is thoroughly ashamed and depressed for bringing dishonor to his family. Try visiting him and showing him you plan to stand by him through this.

eiya poor guy.

Just stay with him... he's going through dark times and has withdrawn from everybody.

chaircover: Tayo did you say poor guy?

BTW someone got killed defending his shop from the looters. He was run over by the looters when he chased them down the road trying to get his goods back. Not all shops had insurance and many of the smaller businesses never recovered.

you needed to be there to see the mayhem that they caused. They tried it in my city center but thankfully our police force was ready for them, caught them and they too are enjoying free food at her Majesty's service.

The guy and his family are and rightly so, ashamed of what he did and he/they will get over it in time. If you cant do the time, then dont so the crime simples.

my dear pls dont mind me jare,gues i let my emotions take d better part of me, right i weep for does involed in dis plane crash. Kids av been rendered fatherless,motherless,husbands losin wife,e.t.c God pls av mercy....

I guess what he has to do to make it up is to make sure he gets over it as fast as possible and that he integrates himself again as a useful member of society.
Prison sentences are meant for rehabilitation purposes and when he comes out he has served his term so don`t go sentencing him again but help him get up and keep moving.
my dear I admire you for standing to him at such age even though he is "just" your boyfriend.